Younes Kaboul is aiming to add to his collection of derby-day victories when Sunderland host Middlesbrough on Sunday afternoon (KO 1.30pm).
The Frenchman played an integral role in last year’s Wear-Tyne demolition of Newcastle United, producing a lung-busting run before picking out Steven Fletcher who scored the Black Cats’ third and final goal.
And prior to his arrival on Wearside he starred for Tottenham Hotspur against Arsenal in 2010, scoring the decisive goal in a 3-2 win as Spurs came from behind to clinch their first win at Arsenal in 17 years.
On Sunday Kaboul and many of his team-mates will feature in their first Wear-Tees clash, and the according to the defender the objective is simple.
“It is a derby and you have to win, that’s it,” explained the defender. “Nothing has changed following last week’s game; we’ve stayed focused and we're working hard.
“We have this spirit and we’re strong mentally in the dressing room so hopefully it will be like this ahead of every game.”
He continued: “Boro will come here with the intention of attacking while also staying strong at the back, and as you said when a team has been promoted they want to show why they’re in the Premier League.
“We’re aware of that and we respect every team, but it is a derby and we’re playing to win.”
